Recent content by TransitTyrant

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/19/2024-08365/petition-for-waiver-of-compliance

I believe CN is satisfied now, just waiting for FRA approval to install the shunting antenna.

Adding a whole other train consist plus the crew needed to staff it would be an extremely expensive endeavor. If it really becomes an issue WisDOT can push Amtrak to add more coaches to the train.

One Hiawatha set will be made up of WisDOT owned Ventures while the other set will be the cars shared between the states. As for delivery. I believe mid 2025 is when they arrive, they were ordered after the original Venture order but before the Airos.

Cutting cars adds too much time to the schedule. The goal should be to get this train as fast as possible to make it more competitive with cars. Adding more service is something that’s already being studied.

Yes WisDOT ordered 6 coaches and 3 cab cars.

Metra is already preparing for the Amtrak relocation to the Rock Island lines tracks. They’re in the process of applying for grant money for said work. It’s a matter of if but when, Amtrak running daily over the HC is on borrowed time.

There are absolutely zero plans on moving the Lincoln Service anywhere between Joliet and Alton. What’s being discussed is that last few 20-30 miles into the terminals. Dwight will not lose service and will likely see more in the coming years.

It’s a bad route that will require too much money to make right. Plus CN treats it like a single track line due to all the local switch jobs they have. The RI is a publicly owned stretch with minimal freight interference.

The FRA already issued a record of decision saying no federal money will be given to improving the HC for Amtrak. It’s Rock Island or bust.

All running over 110mph requires essentially the elimination of grade crossings. Likely a new build HSR corridor could be built alongside much of the current ROW but the connections into St Louis and Chicago must be remedied.

The consist was damaged by a downed tree a few days ago.

Gonna be tough for the Wolverine to break 2019 levels when they keep cancelling 2 of the runs in the summer.

The funny thing about that whole saga is the Glenview siding CP asked IDOT to build for them will be built anyway, now on CPKC’s dime. There’s still supposedly some capacity upgrades that will take place on the Illinois side but IDOT isn’t as open about details compared with their counterparts...

Minnesota has mentioned joining the Midwest equipment pool which would mean they’d acquire their own Charger locomotives and Venture cars. When that happens is anyone’s guess.